(a) Every generator of used oil, other than the owner or operator of a used oil collection center, as defined in Section 48622 of the Public Resources Code, or a household hazardous waste collection facility, as defined in Section 25218.1, that transfers used oil to a recycling facility, shall submit a certification to the transporter that the used oil transferred meets the definition of used oil pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25250.1. The certification shall specifically state that the used oil does not contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at a concentration of 5 ppm, or greater, in accordance with clause (iv) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 25250.1. This subdivision shall not be construed to affect the methods that a generator is authorized to use to determine whether its waste constitutes used oil or hazardous waste pursuant to Section 66262.11 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations or under any other regulation or provision of law.
(b) (1) Any generator that falsely certifies pursuant to subdivision (a) that the used oil transferred to a used oil recycling facility does not contain PCBs at a concentration of 5 ppm or greater shall be liable for damages equal to three times the amount of any costs incurred by any transporter, facility owner or operator, or any other person adversely affected by the false certification, in a civil action that may be brought by the adversely affected party.
(2) In an action pursuant to this subdivision against a generator whose used oil was commingled with used oil generated by other generators prior to being delivered to the facility, the plaintiff shall demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that the generator generated used oil containing PCBs at a concentration of 5ppm or greater.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the calculation of damages shall include any consequential damages caused by mixing the incorrectly certified PCB-contaminated used oil with other used oil.
(d) Nothing in this section shall affect the right of the department or any other enforcement agency to institute an administrative, civil, or criminal action against a generator that has made a false certification.
(e) Any plaintiff seeking damages pursuant to this section shall give written notice to the director upon filing an action pursuant to this section.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 745, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018